Whether you're repairing an old car or maintaining a motorcycle or lawn mower, at some point the fuel tank will need to be cleaned. For beginners, this job can be burdensome. However, with a little effort and knowledge, you can do it yourself. Later, you will get a fuel tank that is free of contaminants and garbage that can damage the engine.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Cleaning the Motor or Small Engine Tank
Step 1. Disconnect the connection to the tank
Before doing anything, you must disconnect the tank from the motor or other machine. If you don't remove it, you won't be able to access or clean the tank safely. Unscrew the tank strap and remove the screw or bolt holding it in place.
- For lawn mowers or similar items, you will need to remove the fuel line and spark plug.
- For motorcycles, you will need to remove the petcock, fuel cap, and any hoses attached to the tank.
Step 2. Seal the fuel line
After disconnecting the fuel line, you need to seal it. If it's not sealed, not only will residual gasoline come out of the line, but dirt and other objects can get into it and cause engine problems.
- Prepare some kind of smooth-faced clamp and attach it to the line near the carburetor.
- Separate the duct and carburetor.
- Guide the end of the hose into the bucket and remove the clamp.
- Let the hose drain the tank and into the bucket.
Step 3. Empty the tank
Pour all remaining gasoline into a fuel safe container. If the tank cannot be completely emptied, take a suction hose or similar device to drain the remaining fuel from the tank.
- Let the tank dry completely.
- If the remaining gas is not drained, you will not be able to clean the engine properly. Thus, you need to make sure there is no fuel left in the tank.
Step 4. Check the tank
Take the time to inspect the tank and look for problems that could reduce the tank's reliability. Defects, rust and other nuisances can pose a hazard to both you and the machine.
- Take the fuel tank out during the day so you can see inside. If it's still not bright enough, use a flashlight to shine a light on the tank.
- Pay particular attention to spots of rust, wear, or defects in the tank material itself.
- Make sure the fuel filter is clean. Otherwise, the filter must be replaced.
Step 5. Spray high pressure water into the tank
By using high pressure water, you will break up any sediment that is at the bottom of the tank. At the same time, you will not use chemicals, such as soap, which can cause engine problems.
- Set the hose and sprayer to the high pressure setting..
- You may need to crawl down and spray at various points in the tank.
- Consider using a pressure washer if there are significant rust deposits in the tank.
Method 2 of 3: Cleaning Car Fuel Tank
Step 1. Jack the car
Before removing the tank, you must jack up the car. Do this by adjusting the position of the jack under the car and slowly raising it into the air. This way, you get a workspace under the car.
- Consider using two jacks to raise the vehicle safely.
- Position the jack under the car jack point. Read the vehicle's user manual for its location.
Step 2. Remove the gas tank from the car
Before cleaning the tank, be sure to remove it from the car. That way, you can drain, inspect, and clean it properly. To remove the tank, remove the screws and straps that secure it.
- Make sure you are not directly under the tank when the connection is removed.
- Use another jack, preferably a transmission jack, to lower the fuel tank.
Step 3. Drain the tank
After you remove the tank, drain it completely until there is no fuel left. The difficulty of this job depends on the age of the tank, the amount of fuel remaining, or the type of tank. To drain it:
- Use a vacuum cleaner to transfer gasoline to a storage container.
- If some of the liquid still doesn't come out, flip the tank over and drain into the container. It is possible that there will be sediment or debris that comes out with the gasoline.
Step 4. Clean the tank of oil
If the tank still smells like gasoline after draining, you may need to clean it. The final result is much better if you clean the oil in the tank.
- Use a degreaser (oil cleaner) such as Marine Clean.
- Try mixing dish soap with hot water.
- Allow the degreaser or soapy water to sit in the tank for up to 24 hours.
- If the degreaser or soapy water doesn't work after 24 hours, consider cleaning the tank again for a longer time.
Step 5. Wash the tank with a pressure wash tool
After removing the tank, you should prepare a pressure washer and spray it into the inside of the tank. This will help remove dirt, debris, small rust flakes, and rinse off any gasoline deposits.
- Use a pressure washer or regular garden hose to clean the inside of the tank.
- You may need to point the sprayer at a different angle to remove light rust and other deposits from the tank.
Step 6. Use a cleaning solution
If the tank has significant rust or other oil in it, you may need to use a commercial solution to clean it. This solution works by chemically breaking down rust. After use, you can rinse and remove debris from the tank.
- Consider using a professional-grade acid solution to dissolve the rust in the tank.
- The cleaning solution should only be used in tanks that have been idle for a long time.
Step 7. Rinse the tank
After using a cleaning solution or even a degreaser such as a mild soap, you will need to rinse the tank several times so that the remaining soap is completely clean. If you don't clean all the chemical residue from the tank, the car's engine could be damaged.
- After loosening the sediment and rust in the tank, empty it and refill it to remove any undrained sediment.
- Rinse the tank until no bubbles are present in the water. You may need to rinse 2-3 times.
Method 3 of 3: Work Safely
Step 1. Let the tank dry before reinstalling it
After you clean the inside of the tank, dry it completely. Otherwise, the water may mix with the new gasoline and damage the engine and fuel system.
- Turn the tank upside down if possible so it dries better.
- Leave the tank overnight.
- Make sure the tank is not in a damp place.
Step 2. Drain the gas well
After draining the tank, you need to properly dispose of the gas. Otherwise, gasoline can contaminate ground water used by local residents.
- Store gasoline in adequate containers.
- Contact your local waste disposal service, if available, to find out where the gasoline is dumped.
- You can take used gasoline to the nearest waste disposal site.
Step 3. Consult a mechanic if you have any questions
If you have trouble cleaning the tank, or have a problem that you don't know how to solve, it's a good idea to contact a professional. They have experience cleaning gas tanks and can advise you.
If you are in doubt whether the tank can be lifted and released safely, contact a mechanic. They can do it safely
Step 4. Wear safety gear properly
When working with gasoline or cleaning solutions, it is a good idea to wear safety gear. Without this equipment, you could injure yourself permanently. Use:
- Safety glasses.
- Gloves.
- Other protective clothing.
- Also, make sure your garage or other workplace has good airflow. If possible, work outdoors.
